GENERAL FACTS ON METHAMPHETAMINE APRIL 2021 Methamphetamine is a stimulant that people take to get high and to get a rush of energy. OTHER NAMES OF This makes it a popular substance to take. METHAMPHETAMINE ARE: Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, bluish speed • uppers • meth • crystal meth white rocks. Methamphetamine is usually found chalk • ice • glass as a white, bitter-tasting powder or pill and Christmas tree • crank is often produced to look like a prescription amphetamine medication (Adderall). Unknowingly taking methamphetamine in the form of a look-alike prescription stimulant could have serious physical and mental health consequences. It is important to only take prescription medications from the original pill bottle. Methamphetamine can be swallowed, snorted, inhaled, smoked, or injected into a vein (increasing effect and potential for addiction). METHAMPHETAMINE CRYSTAL AND POWDER Methamphetamine increases the amount of natural chemical dopamine in the brain that is involved in body movement, motivation, pleasure and reward. The drug’s ability to rapidly release high levels of dopamine in the reward areas of the brain produces the “rush” (euphoria) Agency courtesy: DrugPhoto Enforcement SPOTLIGHT FACTSHEET FACTSHEET SPOTLIGHT or “flash” that many people experience. This METHAMPHETAMINE PILLS rapid release can have serious physical and MADE TO LOOK LIKE ADDERALL mental health consequences. EFFECTS OF USING METHAMPHETAMINE The effects of methamphetamine can last for many hours. It may take up to four days for the drug to completely leave the body.1 Short-Term Effects:2 Long-Term Effects:2 • Increased wakefulness and physical activity • Addiction • Decreased appetite • Psychosis, including: paranoia,hallucinations, • Faster breathing repetitive motor activity • Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat • Changes in brain structure and function • Increased blood pressure • Deficits in thinking and motor skills • Increased body temperature • Increased distractibility • anxiety or paranoia • Memory loss • Mood disturbances • Severe dental problems • Weight loss • Increased incidents of infections such as HIV and Hepatitis • Intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching METHAMPHETAMINE OVERDOSE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY Methamphetamine overdose is on the rise Though most people overcome substance use in the United States.1 Methamphetamine disorders without accessing formal treatment, overdose can result in a stroke, heart some people may seek counseling or therapy attack, or organ problems. People often use for help. There are several forms of psychosocial methamphetamine with other substances. and behavioral treatment that have proven to Combining substances can alter the effects be helpful for people with methamphetamine of methamphetamine on the body and how use disorder. In addition, there are promising someone may feel. Because of the way it is medications that have been studied for made, each batch is different in potency or methamphetamine use disorder, however, they contents and can be laced with other harmful have not yet been approved by the Food and substances like fentanyl increasing the risk of Drug Administration for this purpose.2 overdose.1 METHAMPHETAMINE WITHDRAWAL Methamphetamine is addictive. When people THE stop taking it, withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, fatigue, severe depression, psychosis, and intense drug cravings. @drugfreeNH RESOURCES AND SUPPORT The Partnership @drugfreeNH The Doorway drugfreenh.org: A safe place to gather and thedoorway.nh.gov or call 2-1-1 learn about local strategies and activities to (or 1-866-444-4211): A statewide service that prevent substance misuse. supports any NH resident, of any age, with a substance or alcohol concern or issue. 2-1-1 NH 211NH.org: A comprehensive source of NH Alcohol and Drug Treatment Locator information about local resources and nhtreatment.org: A searchable database services to help you take care of yourself. with treatment agencies and individual practitioners offering substance use disorder services. 1 Drug Policy Alliance. 10 Facts About Methamphetamine. March 2021.https://drugpolicy.org/sites/default/ files/dpa-methamphetamine-facts.pdf?_ga=2.253605193.1990568600.1618601169-981527969.1618601169 2 NIDA. 2019, May 16. Methamphetamine DrugFacts. Retrieved from © 2021 The Partnership @drugfreeNH. All rights reserved. This factsheet is sponsored by the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the NH Governor's Commission on Alcohol and other Drugs, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and is partially supported by the FY2020 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Grant # 1H79TI083274-01. It is managed by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. The contents of this factsheet may not represent the views or policies of our funders..